Planter Monitor System and Method

ABSTRACT

A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 13/292,384filed Nov. 9, 2011 which is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/522,252 filed Jul. 6, 2009 which claims priority to internationalapplication no. PCT/US2008/050445 filed Jan. 7, 2008, which claimspriority to provisional application no. 60/883,965 filed Jan. 8, 2007.

BACKGROUND

Annually in the United States, over 70 million corn acres are planted byapproximately 40,000 growers, resulting in over 12 billion bushels ofcorn harvested annually, which, in-turn, translates into annual revenuesin excess of $20 billion. Many growers recognize that one of the mostinfluential and controllable factors affecting the productivity of eachacre planted is the quality of seed placement. If a grower can beprovided with more information earlier about seed placement qualitywhile planting, the grower will be able to make earlier corrections oradjustments to the planter or its operation which could increaseproduction by three to nine bushels per acre, which at today's pricestranslates into an additional $9.00 to $27.00 of additional income peracre at no cost. The net gain to growers and the US economy from suchproduction increases would amount to hundreds of millions of dollarsannually.

Although existing monitors may warn the planter operator about certain“yield-robbing events,” many operators simply ignore the warnings ordelay making any corrections or adjustments until it is convenient forthe operator to do so (such as at the end of the field or when refillingthe hoppers, etc.). The lack of motivation to take immediate correctiveaction may be due to the operator not knowing or not fully appreciatingthe extent of economic loss caused by the yield robbing event. Anotherpossibility may be that because most existing planter monitors provideonly broad averages across the entire planter in terms of seeds per acreor singulation percentage, the operator may not know that a particularrow is suffering from a yield robbing event if the overall averagepopulation or singulation appears to be inline with the target ordesired values.

“Yield-robbing events” are generally caused by one of two types oferrors, namely, metering errors and placement errors. Metering errorsoccur when, instead of seeds being discharged one at a time, eithermultiple seeds are discharged from the meter simultaneously (typicallyreferred to as “multiplies” or “doubles”), or when no seed is dischargedfrom the meter when one should have been (typically referred to as a“skip”). It should be appreciated that seed multiples and seed skipswill result in a net loss in yield when compared to seeds planted withproper spacing because closely spaced plants will produce smaller earsdue to competition for water and nutrients. Similarly, seed skips willresult in a net loss in yield even though adjacent plants will typicallyproduce larger ears as a result of less competition for water andnutrients due to the missing plant.

Placement errors occur when the travel time between sequentiallyreleased seeds is irregular or inconsistent as compared to the timeinterval when the seeds were discharged from the seed meter, therebyresulting in irregular spacing between adjacent seeds in the furrow.Placement errors typically result from seed ricochet within the seedtube caused by the seed not entering the seed tube at the properlocation, or by irregularities or obstructions along the path of theseed within the seed tube, or due to excessive vertical accelerations ofthe row unit as the planter traverses the field.

Beyond metering errors and placement errors, another yield robbing eventis attributable to inappropriate soil compaction adjacent to the seed,either due to inadequate down pressure exerted by the gauge wheels onthe surrounding soil or excessive down pressure exerted by the gaugewheels. As discussed more thoroughly in commonly owned, co-pending PCTApplication No. PCT/US2008/50427, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference, if too little downforce is exerted by the gaugewheels or other depth regulating member, the disk blades may notpenetrate into the soil to the full desired depth and/or the soil maycollapse into the furrow as the seeds are being deposited resulting inirregular seed depth. However, if excessive down force is applied, poorroot penetration may result in weaker stands and which may place thecrops under unnecessary stress during dry conditions. Excessivedownforce may also result in the re-opening of the furrow affectinggermination or causing seedling death.

While some experienced operators may be able to identify certain typesof corrective actions needed to minimize or reduce particular types ofyield robbing events once properly advised of their occurrence and theireconomic impact, other operators may not be able to so readily identifythe type of corrective actions required, particularly those with lessplanting experience generally, or when the operator has switched to anew make or model planter.

Accordingly, there is a need for a monitor system and method that iscapable of providing the operator with near real-time data concerningyield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yieldrobbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt correctiveaction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of aplanter monitor system of the present invention for monitoring theoperation and performance of a planter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of convention row crop planter.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a row unit of the conventional rowcrop planter of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gauge wheel height adjustmentmechanism of the conventional row crop planter of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an example of the preferred Level 1 Screen display for amonitor system in accordance with the present invention showing apreferred format for reporting overall planter performance details.

FIG. 6 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 2 PopulationDetails screen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5 showing apreferred format for reporting population performance by row.

FIG. 7 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 2Singulation Details screen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5showing a preferred format for reporting singulation performance by row.

FIG. 8 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 2 PlacementDetails screen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5 showing apreferred format for reporting placement performance by row.

FIG. 9 is an example of the preferred embodiment of a Level 3 Row Detailscreen display for the monitor system of FIG. 5 showing a preferredformat for reporting specific row performance details.

FIG. 10 is an example of a Row Selection screen display for the monitorsystem of FIG. 5 showing a preferred format for selecting a row of theplanter to view additional details of that row such as identified inFIGS. 6.

FIG. 11 is an example of a screen display for the monitor system of FIG.5 showing a preferred format for setup and configuration.

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen display for selecting or inputtingcrop type during setup.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen display for inputting populationsettings during setup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 isa schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of a planter monitorsystem 1000 of the present invention for monitoring the operation andperformance of a planter 10. As is conventional, the preferred plantermonitor system 1000 includes a visual display 1002 and user interface1004, preferably a touch screen graphic user interface (GUI). Thepreferred touch screen GUI 1004 is preferably supported within a housing1006 which also houses a microprocessor, memory and other applicablehardware and software for receiving, storing, processing, communicating,displaying and performing the various preferred features and functionsas hereinafter described (hereinafter, collectively, the “processingcircuitry”) as readily understood by those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the preferred planter monitor system 1000preferably cooperates and/or interfaces with various external devicesand sensors as hereinafter described, including, for example, a GPS unit100, a plurality of seed sensors 200, one or more load sensors 300, oneor more inclinometers 400, vertical accelerometers 500, horizontalaccelerometers 600, vacuum sensors 700 (for planters with pneumaticmetering systems), or any other sensor for monitoring the planter or theenvironment that may affect planting operations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional row-crop planter 10 such as a JohnDeere MaxEmerge or MaxEmerge Plus planter in connection with which theplanter monitor system and method of the present invention may be used.It should be appreciated that although reference is made throughout thisspecification to row-crop planters and, in particular, certain models ofJohn Deere planters, such references are simply examples to providecontext and a frame of reference for the subject matter discussed. Assuch, the present planter monitor system and method should not beconstrued as being limited for use with any particular make or model ofplanter. Likewise, the present planter monitor system should not beconstrued as being limited to row-crop planters, since the features andfunctionalities of the monitor system may have application to graindrills or other planter types as well.

The planter 10 includes a plurality of spaced row-units 12 supportedalong a toolbar 14 of the planter main frame 13. The planter main frame13 attaches to a tractor 15 in a conventional manner, such as by adrawbar 17 or three-point hitch arrangement as is well known in the art.Ground wheel assemblies (not shown) support the main frame 13 above theground surface and are moveable relative to the main frame 13 throughactuation of the planter's hydraulic system (not shown) coupled to thetractor's hydraulics to raise and lower the planter main frame 13between a transport position and a planting position, respectively.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, each row unit 12 is supported from thetoolbar by a parallel linkage 16 which permits each row unit 12 to movevertically independently of the toolbar 14 and the other spaced rowunits in order to accommodate changes in terrain or upon the row unitencountering a rock or other obstruction as the planter is drawn throughthe field. Biasing means 18, such as springs, air bags, hydraulic orpneumatic cylinders or the like, act on the parallel linkage 16 to exerta downforce on the row unit for purposes discussed in detail later. Eachrow unit 12 further includes a front mounting bracket 20 to which ismounted a hopper support beam 22 and a subframe 24. The hopper supportbeam 22 supports a seed hopper 26 and a fertilizer hopper 28 as well asoperably supporting a seed meter 30 and seed tube 32. The subframe 24operably supports a furrow opening assembly 34 and a furrow closingassembly 36.

In operation, the furrow opening assembly cuts a furrow 38 (FIGS. 3 and4) into the soil surface 40 as the planter is drawn through the field.The seed hopper 26, which holds the seeds to be planted, communicates aconstant supply of seeds 42 to the seed meter 30. The seed meter 30 ofeach row unit 12 is typically coupled to the ground wheels through useof shafts, chains, sprockets, transfer cases, etc., as is well known inthe art, such that individual seeds 42 are metered and discharged intothe seed tube 32 at regularly spaced intervals based on the seedpopulation desired and the speed at which the planter is drawn throughthe field. The seed 42 drops from the end of the seed tube 32 into thefurrow 38 and the seeds 42 are covered with soil by the closing wheelassembly 36.

The furrow opening assembly 34 typically includes a pair of flat furrowopening disk blades 44, 46 and a depth regulation assembly 47. In theembodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the depth regulation assembly 47 comprisesa pair of gauge wheels 48, 50 selectively vertically adjustable relativeto the disk blades 44, 46 by a height adjusting mechanism 49. It shouldbe appreciated, however, that instead of dual opening disks and dualgauge wheels as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the planter 10may utilize any other suitable furrow opener and depth regulationassembly suitable for cutting a furrow in the soil and regulating orcontrolling the depth of that furrow.

In the planter embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the disk blades 44, 46 arerotatably supported on a shaft 52 mounted to a shank 54 depending fromthe subframe 24. The disk blades 44, 46 are canted such that the outerperipheries of the disks come in close contact at the point of entry 56into the soil and diverge outwardly and upwardly away from the directionof travel of the planter as indicated by the arrow 58. Thus, as theplanter 10 is drawn through the field, the furrow opening disks 44, 46cut a V-shaped furrow 38 through the soil surface 40 as previouslydescribed.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, gauge wheel arms 60, 62 pivotallysupport the gauge wheels 48, 50 from the subframe 24 about a first axis61. The gauge wheels 48, 50 are rotatably mounted to the forwardlyextending gauge wheel arms 60, 62 at a second axis 63. The gauge wheels48, 50 are slightly larger in diameter than the disk blades 44, 46 suchthat the outer peripheries of the disk blades rotate at a slightlygreater velocity than the gauge wheel peripheries. Each of the gaugewheels 48, 50 includes a flexible lip 64 (FIGS. 4) at its interior facewhich contacts the outer face of the respective disk blade 44, 46 at thearea 66 (FIG. 3) where the disk blades exit the soil. It should beappreciated that as the opening disks 44, 46 exit the soil after slicingthe V-shaped furrow 38, the soil, particularly in wet conditions, willtend to adhere to the disk, which, if not prevented, would cause thefurrow walls to be torn away as the disk rotates out of the soil causingpoor furrow formation and/or collapse of the furrow walls, resulting inirregular seed planting depth. Thus, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and4, to prevent the furrow walls from tearing away as the disk blades exitthe soil, the gauge wheels 48, 50 are positioned to compact the strip ofsoil adjacent to the furrow while at the same time serving to scrapeagainst the outer face of the disks 44, 46 to shear off any soil buildupas the disks exit the soil. Accordingly, the opening disks 44, 46 andthe gauge wheels 48, 50 cooperate to firm and form uniform furrow wallsat the desired depth.

In the planter embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the depth adjustmentmechanism 67 which is used to vary the depth of the seed furrow 38 isaccomplished through the vertical adjustment of the gauge wheels 48, 50relative to the furrow opening disk blades 44, 46 by selectivepositioning of a height adjustment arm 68. In this embodiment, a heightadjusting arm 68 is pivotally supported from the subframe 24 by a pin 70(FIGS. 3 and 5). An upper end 72 of the height adjusting arm 68 isselectively positionable along the subframe 24. As best illustrated inFIG. 5, a rocker 76 is loosely pinned to the lower end 74 of the heightadjusting arm 68 by a pin or bolt 78. The rocker 76 bears against theupper surfaces of the pivotable gauge wheel arms 60, 62, thereby servingas a stop to prevent the gauge wheel arms 60, 62 from pivotingcounterclockwise about the first pivot axis 61 as indicated by arrow 82.Thus, it should be appreciated that as the upper end 72 of the heightadjusting arm 68 is selectively positioned, the position of therocker/stop 76 will move accordingly relative to the gauge wheel arms60, 62. For example, referring to FIG. 5, as the upper end 72 of theheight adjusting arm 68 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 84,the position of the rocker/stop 76 will move upwardly away from thegauge wheel arms 60, 62, allowing the gauge wheels 48, 50 to movevertically upwardly relative to the furrow opening disk blades 44, 46such that more of the disk blade will extend below the bottom of thegauge wheels 48, 50, thereby permitting the furrow opening disk blades44, 46 to penetrate further into the soil. Likewise, if the upper end 72of the height adjusting arm 68 is moved in the direction indicated byarrow 86, the rocker/stop 76 will move downwardly toward the gauge wheelarms 60, 62, causing the gauge wheels 48, 50 to move verticallydownwardly relative to the furrow opening disk blades 44, 46, therebyshortening the penetration depth of the disk blades into the soil. Whenplanting row crops such as corn and soybeans, the position of therocker/stop 76 is usually set such that the furrow opening disk blades44, 46 extend below the bottom of the gauge wheels 48, 50 to create afurrow depth between one to three inches.

In addition to serving as a stop as previously described, the looselypinned rocker 76 serves the dual function of “equalizing” ordistributing the load carried by the two gauge wheels 48, 50, therebyresulting in more uniform furrow depth. It should be appreciated thatduring planting operations, substantially the entire live and dead loadof the row unit 12 along with the supplemental downforce exerted by thebiasing means 18 will be carried by the gauge wheels 48, 50 after theopening disks 44, 46 penetrate the soil to the depth where the gaugewheel arms 60, 62 encounter the pre-selected stop position of the rocker76. This load is transferred by the pin 78 through the rocker 76 to thegauge wheel arms 60, 62. Because the rocker 76 is loosely pinned to theheight adjusting arm 68, the row unit load is distributed substantiallyequally between the two gauge wheel arms 60, 62 such that one-half ofthe load is carried by each arm 60, 62. Thus, for example, if gaugewheel 48 encounters an obstruction such as a rock or hard soil clod, thegauge wheel arm 60 will be forced upwardly as the gauge wheel 48 ridesup and over the obstruction. Since the rocker 76 is connected to theheight adjusting arm 68 by the pin 78, the rocker 76 will pivot aboutpin 78 causing an equal but opposite downward force on the other arm 62.As such, the rocker 76 equalizes or distributes the load between the twogauge wheels. If there was no rocker such that lower end 74 of theheight adjusting arm 68 was simply a bearing surface, upon one of thegauge wheels encountering an obstruction or uneven terrain, the entireload of the row unit 12 would be carried by that single gauge wheel asit rides up and over the obstruction or until the terrain was againlevel. Again, as previously stated, the specific reference to theforegoing components describing the type of furrow opening assembly,depth regulation member, seed meter, etc., may vary depending on thetype of planter.

There are various types of commercially available seed meters 30 whichcan generally be divided into two categories on the basis of the seedselection mechanism employed, namely, mechanical or pneumatic. The mostcommon commercially available mechanical meters include finger-pickupmeters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,552,601 to Hansen (“Hansen'601”), cavity-disc meters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,233to Lodico et al. (“Lodico '233”), and belt meters such as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,992,338 to Romans (“Romans '338”), each of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The most commoncommercially available pneumatic meters include vacuum-disc meters suchas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,606 to Gugenhan (“Gugenhan '606”)and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,909 to Lundie et al. (“Lundie '909”) andpositive-air meters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,979 toDeckler (“Deckler '979”), each of which is also incorporated herein inits entirety by reference. The planter monitor system and method of thepresent invention should not be construed as being limited for use inconnection with any particular type of seed meter.

The GPS unit 100, such as a Deluo PMB-288 available from Deluo, LLC,10084 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise, Fla. 33351, or other suitable device, isused to monitor the speed and the distances traveled by the planter 10.As will be discussed in more detail later, preferably the output of theGPS unit 100, including the planter speed and distances traveled by theplanter, is communicated to the monitor 1000 for display to the planteroperator and/or for use in various algorithms for deriving relevant dataused in connection with the preferred system and method of the presentinvention.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the preferred planter monitorsystem 1000 preferably utilizes the existing seed sensors 200 andassociated wiring harness 202 typically found on virtually allconventional planters 10. The most common or prevalent type of seedsensors are photoelectric sensors, such as manufactured by Dickey-JohnCorporation, 5200 Dickey-John Road, Auburn, Ill. 62615. A typicalphotoelectric sensor generally includes a light source element and alight receiving element disposed over apertures in the forward andrearward walls of the seed tube. In operation, whenever a seed passesbetween the light source and the light receiver, the passing seedinterrupts the light beam causing the sensor 200 to generate anelectrical signal indicating the detection of the passing seed. Thegenerated electrical signals are communicated to the monitor 1000 viathe wiring harness 202 or by a suitable wireless communication means. Itshould be appreciated that any other type of seed sensors capable ofproducing an electrical signal to designate the passing of a seed may beequally or better suited for use in connection with the system andmethod of the present invention. Therefore the present invention shouldnot be construed as being limited to any particular type of seed sensor.

As previously identified, the preferred planter monitor system 1000 alsoutilizes load sensor 300 disposed to generate load signals correspondingto the loading experienced by or exerted on the depth regulation member47. The load sensor 300 and associated processing circuitry may compriseany suitable components for detecting such loading conditions, includingfor example, the sensors and circuitry as disclosed in PCT/US2008/50427,previously incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Asdiscussed in more detail later, the loading experienced by or exerted onthe gauge wheels 48, 50 or whatever other depth regulating member isbeing used, is preferably one of the values displayed to the operator onthe screen of the visual display 1002 and may also be used in connectionwith the preferred system and method to report the occurrence of yieldrobbing events (i.e., loss of furrow depth or excess soil compaction)and/or for automated adjustment of the supplemental downforce, ifsupported by the planter.

An inclinometer 400 is preferably mounted to the front mounting bracket20 of at least one row unit 12 of the planter 10 in order to detect theangle of the row unit 12 with respect to vertical. Because the row unit12 is connected by a parallel linkage 16 to the transverse toolbar 14comprising a part of the planter frame 13, the angle of the frontbracket 20 with respect to vertical will substantially correspond to theangle of the frame and toolbar 13, 14. It should be appreciated that ifthe planter drawbar is substantially horizontal, the front bracket 20will be substantially vertical. Thus, if the drawbar is not level, thefront bracket will not be substantially vertical, thereby causing therow units to be inclined. If the row unit is inclined, the furrowopening assembly 36 will cut either a deeper or more shallow furrow thenas set by the depth adjustment mechanism 67 thereby resulting in poorgermination and seedling growth. As such, data from the inclinometer 400may be used in connection with the preferred system and method to detectand/or report potential yield robbing events and/or for automaticadjustment of the planter, if so equipped, to produce the necessarycorrection to level the row unit. For example, if the inclinometer 400detects that the front bracket is not substantially vertical, it mayinitiate an alarm condition to advise the operator that the tongue isnot level, the potential effects on seed placement, and will preferablydisplay on the monitor screen 1002 the appropriate corrective action totake.

As previously identified, the preferred planter monitor system 1000 alsopreferably includes a vertical accelerometer 500 and a horizontalaccelerometer 600. Preferably the vertical accelerometer 500 andhorizontal accelerometer 600 are part of a single device along with theinclinometer 400.

The vertical accelerometer 500 measures the vertical velocity of the rowunit 12 as the planter traverses the field, thereby providing data as tohow smoothly the row unit is riding over the soil, which is importantbecause the smoothness of the ride of the row unit can affect seedspacing. For example, if a seed is discharged from the seed meter justas the row unit encounters an obstruction, such as a rock, the row unitwill be forced upwardly, causing the seed to have a slight upwardvertical velocity. As the row unit passes over the obstruction, and isforced back downwardly by the biasing means 18, or if the row unitenters a depression, a subsequent seed being discharged by the seedmeter 30 will have a slight downward vertical velocity. Thus, all otherfactors being equal, the second seed with the initial downwardlyimparted velocity will reach the ground surface in less time than thefirst seed have the initial upwardly imparted velocity, therebyaffecting seed spacing. As such, data from the vertical accelerometer500 may also be used in connection with the preferred system and methodto identify and/or report seed placement yield robbing events resultingfrom rough field conditions, excessive planter speed and/or inadequatedownforce exerted by the biasing means 18. This information may be usedto diagnose planter performance for automatic adjustment and/orproviding recommendations to the operator pursuant to the preferredsystem and method of the present invention for taking corrective action,including, for example, increasing down force to reduce verticalvelocities or reducing tractor/planter speed.

The horizontal accelerometer 600, like the inclinometer 400 providesdata that may be used in connection with the preferred method todiagnose planter performance and/or for providing recommendations to theoperator pursuant to the preferred system and method of the presentinvention for taking corrective action. For example, horizontalaccelerations are known to increase as the bushings of the parallellinkage 16 wear. Thus, if the ratio of the standard deviation of thehorizontal acceleration over the standard deviation of the verticalacceleration increases, it is likely that the bushings or other loadtransferring members of the parallel linkage are worn and need to bereplaced.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-13, FIG. 5 is an example the preferred Level 1Screen for the planter monitor system 1000; FIGS. 6-8 are examples ofpreferred Level 2 Screens; FIGS. 9-10 are examples of preferred Level 3Screens; FIG. 11 is an example of a preferred Setup screen; and FIGS.12-13 are examples of preferred Level 4 screens. Each of the screens isdiscussed below.

Level 1 Screen (FIG. 5)

The Level 1 Screen 1010 is so named because it is preferably the defaultscreen that will be displayed on the monitor display 1012 unless theoperator selects a different screen level to view as discussed later.The preferred Level 1 Screen 1010 includes a plurality of windowscorresponding to different planter performance details, including a SeedPopulation Window 1012, a Singulation Window 1014, a Skips/MultiplesWindow 1016, a Good Spacing Window 1018, a Smooth Ride Window 1020, aSpeed Window 1022, a Vacuum Window 1024 (when applicable), a DownforceWindow 1028 and an Economic Loss Window 1028. Each of these windows andthe method of deriving the values displayed therein are discussed below.In addition the Level 1 Screen 1010 preferably includes various functionbuttons, including a Setup button 1030, a Row Details button 1032, aSnapShot button 1034 and a Back button 1036, each of which is discussedlater.

Population Window 1012

The Population Window 1012 preferably includes a numeric seed populationvalue 1100, preferably updated every second (i.e., 1 Hz cycles),representing the running average of the number of seeds (in thousands)being planted per acre over a predefined sampling frequency, preferably1 Hz. This seed population value 1100 is based on the following formula:

${{Seed}\mspace{14mu} {population}\mspace{14mu} 1030} = {0.001 \times \frac{SeedCount}{{Rows} \times {{Spacing}({ft})} \times {{Dist}({ft})}} \times 43500\mspace{14mu} {ft}^{2}\text{/}{acre}}$

Where: SeedCount=Total number of seeds detected by Sensors 200 in allrows during sample frequency.

-   -   Rows=Number of planter rows designated during Setup (discussed        later)    -   Spacing=Planter row spacing designated during Setup    -   Dist=Distance (ft) traveled by planter based on input from GPS        unit 100 during the sample frequency

Thus, for example, assuming the seed sensors 200 detect a total of 240seeds over the preferred 1 Hz cycle, and assuming the planter is asixteen row planter with thirty inch rows (i.e., 2.5 ft) and the averagespeed of the planter is six miles per hour (i.e. 8.8 ft/sec) during the1 Hz cycle, the seed population would be:

${{Seed}\mspace{14mu} {population}} = {{0.001 \times \frac{240}{\left( {16 \times 2.5\mspace{14mu} {ft} \times 8.8\mspace{14mu} {ft}} \right)} \times 43500\mspace{14mu} {ft}^{2}/{acre}} = 29.6}$

In the preferred embodiment, however, although the seed population value1100 is updated or re-published every second, the actual seed populationis not based on a single one-second seed count. Instead, in thepreferred embodiment, the seeds detected over the previous one secondare added to a larger pool of accumulated one-second seed counts fromthe preceding ten seconds. Each time a new one-second seed count isadded, the oldest one-second seed count is dropped from the pool and theaverage seed population is recalculated based on the newest data, thisrecalculated average is then published every second in the SeedPopulation Window 1012.

In addition to identifying the seed population value 1100 as justidentified, the preferred Seed Population Window 1012 also preferablydisplays a graph 1102 for graphical representation of the calculatedaverage seed population 1100 relative to the target population 1338(FIG. 11) (specified during Setup as discussed later) designated by ahash mark 1104. Corresponding hash marks 1106, 1108 represent thepopulation deviation limits 1342 (FIG. 11) (also specified during Setupas discussed later). An indicator 1110, such as a large diamond, forexample, is used to represent the calculated average population. Otherdistinguishable indicators 1112, such as smaller diamonds, represent thecorresponding population rate of the individual rows relative to thetarget hash mark 1104. Additionally, the Seed Population window 1012also preferably identifies, by row number, the lowest population row1114 (i.e., the planter row that is planting at the lowest populationrate, which, in the example in FIG. 5 is row 23) and the highestpopulation row 1116 (i.e., the planter row that is planting at thehighest population rate, which, in the example in FIG. 5 is row 19)along with their respective population rates 1118, 1120.

In the preferred system and method, the monitor preferably provides somesort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operator of the occurrenceof any yield robbing events related to population. Preferably, if theyield robbing event concerns population, only the Population Window 1012will indicate an alarm condition. An alarm condition related topopulation may include, for example, the occurrence of the calculatedseed population value 1100 falling outside of the population deviationlimits 1342 specified during setup. Another alarm condition may occurwhen the population of any row is less than 80% of the target population1338. Another alarm condition related to population may include theoccurrence of one or more rows falling outside the population deviationlimits for a predefined time period or sampling frequency, for examplefive consecutive 1 Hz cycles, even though an average population of thoserows is in excess 80% of the target population 1338. Yet another alarmcondition may occur when there is a “row failure” which may be deemed tooccur if the sensor 200 fails to detect the passing of any seeds for aspecified time period, such as four times T_(presumed) (discussedbelow).

As previously identified, upon the occurrence of any of the foregoingalarm conditions, or any other alarm condition as may be defined andprogrammed into the monitor system 1000, the Population window 1012preferably provides a visual or audible alarm to alert the operator ofthe occurrence of the alarm condition. For example, in the preferredembodiment, if the calculated seed population value 1100 is within thespecified population deviation 1342 (e.g., 1000 seeds) of the targetpopulation 1338 (e.g., 31200 seeds), the background of the PopulationWindow 1012 is preferably green. If, however, the calculated seedpopulation value 1100 falls below the target population 1338 by morethan the specified population deviation, the Population Window 1012preferably turns yellow. Alternatively, the Population Window 1012 mayflash or provide some other visual or audible alarm under other alarmconditions. Obviously, many different alarm conditions can be definedand many different visual and/or audible indications of an alarmcondition may be programmed into the monitor system 1000 as recognizedby those of skill in the art.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 ofthe monitor system 1000 allows the operator to select different areas ofthe Population Window 1012 which will cause the monitor to displayadditional relevant detail related to the feature selected. For example,if the operator touches the calculated seed population value 1100, thescreen changes to display the Level 2 Population Details screen (FIG.6). If the operator touches the area of the screen in the PopulationWindow 1012 in which the low population row 1114 is displayed, thescreen changes to the Row Details screen (FIG. 9) which displays thedetails of that specific row. Similarly, if the operator touches thearea of the screen in the Population Window 1012 in which the highpopulation row 1116 is displayed, the screen changes to the Row Detailsscreen (FIG. 9) which displays the details of that specific row.

Singulation Window 1014

The Singulation Window 1014 preferably includes a numeric percentsingulation value 1122, preferably published at 1 Hz cycles,representing the running average of the percentage singulation over thepredefined sampling frequency, preferably 2 kHz (0.5 msec). In order todetermine the percent singulation value 1122 it is first necessary toidentify the skips and multiples occurring during the sampling period.Once the number of skips and multiples within the sampling period isknown in relation to the number of “good” seeds (i.e., properlysingulated seeds), then the percent singulation value 1100 can becalculated as identified later.

The preferred system and method includes a criteria for distinguishingwhen a skip or a multiple occurs. In the preferred system and method,every signal generated by the sensor 200 is classified into one of sixclassifications, i.e., “good”, “skip”, “multiple”, “misplaced2”,“misplaced 4”, and “non-seed”. A “good” seed is recorded when a signalis generated within a predefined time window when the signal wasexpected to have occurred based on planter speed and set targetpopulation which together define the presumed time interval(T_(presumed)). A “skip” is recorded when the time between the precedingsignal and the next signal is greater than or equal to 1.65T_(presumed).A “multiple” is recorded when the time between the preceding signal andthe next signal is less than or equal to 0.35T_(presumed). In order toaccurately distinguish between metering errors resulting in true skipsand true multiples as opposed to the seeds simply being misplaced due toplacement errors resulting after discharge by the seed meter (i.e.,ricochet, differences in vertical acceleration, etc.), the initialclassifications are preferably validated before being recorded as skipsor multiples. To validate the initial classifications, the monitor isprogrammed to compare changes in the average value for the last fivetime intervals relative to the average for the last twenty timeintervals (T20_(Avg)). In the preferred system, if the 5-seed intervalaverage (T5_(Avg)) is more than 1.15T20_(Avg) for more than threeconsecutive calculations, then the original classification of a skip isvalidated and recorded as a true skip. If T5_(Avg) is less than0.85T20_(Avg) for more than three consecutive calculations, then theoriginal classification of a multiple is validated and recorded as atrue multiple. If the foregoing limits are not exceeded, then theoriginally classified skip is reclassified as “good,” and the originallyclassified multiple is reclassified as a “misplaced” seed. Thus, byvalidating the original classifications, metering errors aredistinguished from placement errors, thereby providing the operator withmore accurate information as to the planter operation and the occurrenceof yield robbing events.

The “misplaced2” classification refers to a seed that is within twoinches of an adjacent seed. Before a seed is recorded as a “misplaced2”the average spacing is calculated based on population and row spacing. Atime threshold (T2_(threshold)) is calculated to classify “misplaced2”seeds by the equation:

T2_(threshold) =T _(presumed)×(2÷average spacing(inches)).

The “misplaced4” classification refers to a seed that is within fourinches of an adjacent seed. A time threshold (T4threshold) is calculatedto classify “misplaced 4” seeds by the equation:

T4_(threshold) =T _(presumed)×(4÷average spacing(inches)).

Thus, a seed is classified as a misplaced4 seed when the time intervalbetween the preceding signal and the next signal is greater than theT2_(threshold) but less than T4_(threshold).

In order to account for occasional instances when a train of dust orother debris cascades through the seed tube resulting in a rapidgeneration of signal pulses, the monitor system preferably classifiesthe entire series of rapid signal pulses as “non-seed” occurrences (eventhough seeds were still passing through the tube along with the train ofdust or debris) rather than recording the rapid signal pulses as astring of multiples or misplaced seeds. However, in order to maintain arelatively accurate seed count and relatively accurate singulationpercentage, the monitor system is preferably programmed to fill in thenumber of seeds that passed through (or should have passed through) theseed tube along with the cascade of dust and debris. Thus, in apreferred embodiment, when there are more than two pulses in series withan interval of less than 0.85T_(presumed), all the signal pulsesdetected after that occurrence are classified as non-seeds until thereis an interval detected that is greater than 0.85T_(presumed). Anysignal pulse classifying as a non-seed is not taken into account in anycalculations for determining percent singulation values 1122. In thepreferred embodiment, in order to maintain correct population values1100 when the interval is less than 0.85T_(presumed), the interval ismeasured from the last “good” seed occurrence prior to the rapid signalevent that produced the “non-seed” classification until the first “good”seed classification. The accumulated seed value is corrected or adjustedby adding to the count of “good” seeds the number of occurrencescorresponding to the number of times T_(presumed) can be divided intonon-seed classification time period leaving no remainder greater than1.85T_(presumed).

It should be appreciated, that because T_(presumed) will vary withplanter speed, which continually changes during the planting operationas the planter slows down or speeds up based on field conditions (i.e.,hilly terrain, when turning or when approaching the end of the field,etc.), T_(presumed) is a dynamic or continuously changing number. Onemethod of deriving T_(presumed) is as follows:

a) Determine average across all rows of previous 1 seed (T1_(Avg)) asfollows:

-   -   1) For each row, store the time interval from the last seed.        Sort from minimum to maximum.    -   2) Calculate the average time interval across all rows.    -   3) If the ratio of the smallest interval divided by the average        interval from step 2 is ≦0.75, then remove lowest number and        repeat step 2.    -   4) If the ratio of the maximum interval divided by the average        interval is ≧1.25, then remove maximum interval and repeat step        2.    -   5) T1_(Avg) is the average time interval across all rows where        the ratio of smallest time interval divided by the average time        interval is ≧0.75 and ratio of the maximum interval divided by        the average interval is ≦1.25.

b) Determine average time interval across all rows of previous 5 seeds(T5_(Avg)) as follows:

-   -   1) For each row, store the time intervals of last five seeds in        circular buffer; exclude intervals where the time interval to        the next seed is less than 0.5T1_(Avg) or greater than        1.5T1_(Avg).    -   2) Calculate the row average (i.e., the average time interval        for each row) by dividing the sum of the stored time intervals        from step 1 by the seed count from step 1.    -   3) Determine the row ratio.        -   if the time interval since the last seed is ≦1.5×row            average, then row ratio=1        -   if the time interval since the last seed is >1.5×row            average, then row ratio=(1−(last time interval÷(row            average×5)))    -   4) For each row, multiply the row ratio by the row average and        sum the products.    -   5) Calculate T5_(Avg) by dividing the value from step 4 by the        sum of the row ratios.

c) Determine average time interval across all rows of previous 20 seeds(T20_(Avg))

-   -   1) For each row, store the time intervals of last 20 seeds in        circular buffer; exclude intervals where the time interval to        the next seed is less than 0.5T1_(Avg) or greater than        1.5T1_(Avg).    -   2) Calculate the row average (i.e., the average time interval        for each row) by dividing the sum of the stored time intervals        from step 1 by the seed count from step 1.    -   3) Determine the row ratio.        -   if the time interval since the last seed is ≦1.5×row            average, then row ratio=1        -   if the time interval since the last seed is >1.5×row            average, then row ratio=(1−(last time interval÷(row            average×20)))    -   4) Calculate T20_(Avg) by dividing the value from step 4 by the        sum of the row ratios.

d) Determine T_(presumed):

-   -   1) If all values have been filtered out, then        T_(presumed)=T1_(Avg).    -   2) Else, if T20_(Avg)≧1.1×T5_(Avg) and T20_(Avg)≧T1_(Avg), then        T_(presumed)=T5_(Avg).    -   3) Else, if T20_(Avg)≦0.9×T5_(Avg) and T20_(Avg)≦T1_(Avg), then        T_(presumed)=T5Avg.    -   4) Else, T_(presumed)=T20_(Avg).

Obviously other methods of deriving T_(presumed) may be equally suitableand therefore the present invention should not be construed as beinglimited to the foregoing method for deriving T_(presumed).

The percentage of skips (% Skips) 1124 can be determined by adding thetotal number of skips detected across all rows over a predefined seedcount (preferably the Averaged Seed value 1302 specified during Setup(default is 300 seeds)) and then dividing the total number of skips bythat seed count. Similarly, the percentage of multiples (% Mults) 1126can be determined by adding the total number of multiples detectedacross all rows over the same predefined seed count and then dividingthe total number of multiples by the predefined seed count. The percentsingulation value 1122 may then be calculated by adding the % Skips 1124and % Mults 1126 and subtracting that sum from 100%.

In addition to displaying the percent singulation value 1122, theSingulation Window 1014 also preferably displays a graph 1128 forgraphically representing the numeric percentage singulation 1122relative to the 100% singulation target. The graph 1128 also preferablydisplays hash marks 1130 incrementally spaced across the graph 1128corresponding to the Singulation Deviation limits 1350 (FIG. 11)specified during setup. An indicator 1132, such as a large diamond,preferably identifies the percent singulation value 1122 relative to the100% singulation target. Other distinguishable indicators 1134, such assmaller diamonds, preferably indicated the corresponding singulationpercentages of the individual rows relative to the 100% singulationtarget. Additionally, the Singulation Window 1014 also preferablyidentifies numerically the planter row that is planting at the lowestsingulation percentage 1136 (which in the example in FIG. 5 is row 23)along with the percent singulation value 1138 for that row.

Similar to the Population Window 1012 previously discussed, theSingulation Window 1014 preferably provides some sort of visual oraudible alarm to alert the operator of the occurrence of any yieldrobbing events related to singulation. An alarm condition related tosingulation may include, for example, the occurrence of the percentsingulation value 1122 falling outside of the singulation deviationlimits 1350 specified during setup. Another alarm condition may include,for example, when an average percent singulation of two or more rowsexceeds the singulation deviation limits 1350 for five consecutive 1 Hzcalculations, for example. Another alarm condition may include, when onerow exceeds the singulation deviation limits 1350 by more than two timesfor five consecutive 1 Hz calculations, for example. As before, manydifferent alarm conditions can be defined and many different visualand/or audible indications of an alarm condition may be programmed intothe monitor system 1000 to cause the Singulation Window 1014 to providethe operator with visual or audible alarms to indicate the occurrence ofa yield robbing event related to singulation. All such variations inalarm conditions and alarm indications are deemed to be within the scopeof the present invention.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the preferred touch screen GUI1004 of the monitor system 1000 allows the operator to select differentareas of the Singulation Window 1014 which will cause the monitor todisplay additional relevant detail related to the feature selected. Forexample, if the operator touches the calculated percent singulationvalue 1122, the screen changes to display the Level 2 SingulationDetails screen (FIG. 7). If the operator touches the area of the screenin the Singulation Window 1014 in which the low singulation row 1136 isdisplayed, the screen changes to the Row Details screen (FIG. 9) whichdisplays the details of that specific row.

Skips/Mults Window 1016

The Skips/Mults Window 1016 preferably displays the value of thecalculated % Skips 1124 and % Mults 1126 as previously identified. Aswith the other Windows previously described, the Skips/Mults Window 1016may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operatorif the % Skips or % Mults exceed predefined limits.

Good Spacing Window 1018

The Good Spacing Window 1018 preferably includes a numeric percent goodspacing value 1140 representing the running average percentage of “good”seed spacing versus “misplaced” seeds, i.e., the number of seedscategorized as “misplaced2” or “misplaced4” (as previously defined) overthe predefined sampling frequency (preferably 0.1 Hz). Once the numberof misplaced2 and misplaced4 seeds are known in relation to the numberof seeds during the sample period, then the percentage of misplaced2seeds (% MP2) and the percent misplaced4 seeds (% MP4) relative to goodspaced seeds is readily ascertained. Likewise, the percent good spacingvalue 1140 is readily ascertained by subtracting the sum of % MP2 and %MP4 from 100%.

In addition to displaying the calculated percent good spacing value1140, the Good Spacing Window 1018 also preferably includes a graph 1142for graphically representing the percent good spacing value 1140relative to the 100% good spacing target. Hash marks 1144 are preferablyprovided to identify a scale from 80% to 100% at 5% increments. Anindicator 1146, such as a large diamond, preferably identifies thecalculated good spacing value 1140 relative to the 100% good spacingtarget. Other distinguishable indicators 1148, such as smaller diamonds,preferably identify the corresponding good spacing percentages of theindividual rows relative to the 100% goods spacing target. Additionally,the Good Spacing Window 1018 also preferably identifies numerically theplanter row that is planting at the lowest good spacing percentage 1150(which in the example in FIG. 5 is row 9) along with the numericalpercent good spacing value 1152 for that row.

Similar to the other Windows 1012, 1014 the Good Spacing Window 1018preferably provides some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator of the occurrence of any yield robbing events related tospacing. An alarm condition related to spacing may include, for example,if the overall percent good spacing value 1140 or row specific spacingvalue falls below a predetermined deviation limit, such as 90%. Manydifferent alarm conditions can be defined and many different visualand/or audible indications of an alarm condition may be programmed intothe monitor system 1000 to cause the Good Spacing Window 1018 to providethe operator with visual or audible alarms similar to those describedwith the other Windows 1012, 1014 to indicate the occurrence of a yieldrobbing event related to spacing. All such variations in alarmconditions and alarm indications are deemed to be within the scope ofthe present invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 of the monitorsystem 1000 allows the operator to select different areas of the GoodSpacing Window 1018 which will cause the monitor to display additionalrelevant detail related to the feature selected. For example, if theoperator touches the calculated percent good spacing value 1140, thescreen changes to display the Level 2 Placement Details screen (FIG. 8).If the operator touches the area of the screen in the Good SpacingWindow 1018 in which the low row 1150 is displayed, the screen changesto the Row Details screen (FIG. 9) which displays the details of thatspecific row.

Smooth Ride Window 1020

The Smooth Ride Window 1020 preferably displays the smooth ridepercentage value 1154. The smoothness of the ride is estimated based onthe percentage of time the vertical velocity of the row unit is lessthan a predefined vertical velocity limit (VVL). In the preferredembodiment, the VVL is four inches per second (4 in/sec). This VVL wasselected based on empirical data which established that seed spacing wasmeasurably affected when the row unit was subjected to verticalvelocities above 4 in/sec.

The number of times the vertical velocity of the row unit 12 on whichthe sensor 500 is mounted exceeds the VVL is counted over a predefinedtime period (preferably 30 seconds). The percentage of time during thepredefined time period that the VVL was exceeded is then calculated foreach sensor 500 and then an average is calculated (Ave % T>VVL). Thesmooth ride percentage value 1154 is then calculated by subtracting thevalue of Ave % T>VVL from 100%.

In addition to displaying the calculated smooth ride percentage value1154, the Smooth Ride Window 1020 also preferably displays a graph 1156to graphically represent the smooth ride percentage value 1154 relativeto the 100% smooth ride target. Incremental hash marks 1158 preferablyidentify a scale, such as at 85%, 90% and 95%, across a predefinedrange, preferably from a low of 80% smooth ride to 100% smooth ride. Anindicator 1160, such as a large diamond, preferably identifies thecalculated smooth ride percentage value 1154 relative to the 100% smoothride target. Other distinguishable indicators 1162, such as smallerdiamonds, preferably identify the corresponding smooth ride percentagesof the individual rows relative to the 100% smooth ride target.Additionally, the Smooth Ride Window 1020 also preferably identifiesnumerically the planter row that is planting at the lowest smooth ridepercentage 1164 (which, in the example in FIG. 5 is row 14) along withthe numerical smooth ride percentage value 1166 for that row.

As with the other Windows 1012, 1014, 1018 the Smooth Ride Window 1020preferably provides some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator of the occurrence of any yield robbing events related to thesmoothness of the ride. An alarm condition related to ride smoothnessmay include, for example, if the overall smooth ride percentage 1154 orany row specific smooth ride percentage falls below a predetermineddeviation limit, such as 90%. Also as with the other Windows, manydifferent alarm conditions can be defined and many different visualand/or audible indications of an alarm condition may be programmed intothe monitor system 1000 to cause the Smooth Ride window 1020 to providethe operator with visual or audible alarms to indicate the occurrence ofa yield robbing event related to ride smoothness. All such variations inalarm conditions and alarm indications are deemed to be within the scopeof the present invention.

Speed Window 1022

The Speed Window 1022 preferably displays the velocity 1168 of theplanter in miles per hour (mph). In the preferred embodiment, thevelocity 1168 is preferably averaged over the last five seconds of datacollected by the GPS unit 100 unless the planter acceleration (□V/□t) isgreater than 1 mph/sec, in which event, the velocity 1168 is preferablydisplayed as the actual velocity collected by the GPS unit 100.

As with the other Windows previously described, the Speed Window 1022may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operatorif the speed falls below or exceeds predefined limits. Additionally, ifthe processing circuitry is programmed to diagnose planter performanceand to logically identify if speed is a contributing factor to a lowsmooth ride percentage 1154 or low good spacing value 1140, for example,an alarm condition may be triggered producing a visual or audibleindication as previously described in connection with the other Windows.

Vacuum Window 1024

The Vacuum Window 1024 preferably displays the vacuum value 1170 ininches of water (in H_(2 O)). If the type of meter selected during setupwas other than “vacuum” the Vacuum Window 1024 is preferably blank ornot displayed. If “vacuum” was selected during setup, but no vacuumsensor 700 is connected to the monitor 1000 or data from the vacuumsensor 700 is otherwise not being communicated to the monitor 1000, theVacuum Window 1024 may show a zero vacuum value, or the window may beblank or not displayed.

As with the other Windows previously described, the Vacuum Window 1024may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert the operatorif the vacuum falls below or exceeds predefined limits. Additionally, ifthe processing circuitry is programmed to diagnose planter performanceand to logically identify if the vacuum is a contributing factor to alow singulation percentage 1122 or poor spacing percentage 1140, orexcessive % Skips 1126 or % Mults 1124, for example, an alarm conditionmay be triggered producing a visual or audible indication as previouslydescribed in connection with the other Windows.

Downforce Window 1026

The Downforce Window 1026 preferably displays a ground contact parameter1172 (preferably as a percentage of ground contact over a predefinedsampling period). The Downforce Window 1026 may also include an area fordisplaying the average downforce value 1174 and/or alternatively, or inaddition, the Downforce window 1026 may display the “load margin” 1175(not shown). The percent ground contact parameter 1172 is preferablyderived as more fully explained in PCT/US2008/50427, previouslyincorporated herein by reference. The average downforce value 1174 maybe derived by averaging the detected load values over a predefined timeperiod across all load sensors 300 on the planter. The load margin 1175is preferably calculated and/or derived by any of the methods disclosedin PCT/US2008/50427. The downforce value 1174 and/or load margin 1175may also be displayed graphically as disclosed in PCT/US2008/50427.

As with the other Windows previously described, the Downforce Window1026 may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator if the downforce, load margin, or the ground contact parameterexceeds or falls below predefined limits. Additionally, if theprocessing circuitry is programmed to diagnose planter performance andto logically identify if a low ground contact parameter and/or low orexcessive downforce or load margin is a contributing factor to a lowsmooth ride percentage 1154, for example, an alarm condition may betriggered producing a visual or audible indication as previouslydescribed in connection with the other Windows.

Economic Loss Window 1028

The Economic Loss Window 1028 preferably displays the economic lossvalue 1176 in dollars lost per acre ($Loss/acre) attributable to thevarious yield robbing events. The calculated economic loss value 1176may be continually displayed or the value may only be displayed onlyupon an alarm condition, such as when the value exceeds a predefinedvalue, such as, for example, $3.00/acre. If an alarm condition is notpresent, the Economic Loss Window 1028 may simply display the word“Good” or some other desired designation.

In the preferred embodiment each occurrence of a yield robbing event isassociated with an economic loss factor. In the preferred embodiment,the economic loss factor is an Ear Loss (EL) factor 1310. For example,empirical data has shown that, when compared to a plant maturing from aseed properly spaced from adjacent seeds (typically six to seven inchesfor thirty inch rows at plant populations around 32000 seeds/acre), if aseed is misplaced such that it is only two inches from an adjacent seed(i.e., misplaced2), the net loss will be about 0.2 ears (i.e., EL=0.2).A misplaced seed that is only four inches from an adjacent seed (i.e.,misplaced4) will have a net loss of about 0.1 ears (i.e., EL=0.1). Askip has been found to result in a net loss of 0.8 ears (EL=0.8). Adouble has been found to result in a net loss of 0.4 ears (EL=0.4).

The foregoing EL factors assume that the grower is planting “flex”hybrids as opposed to “determinate” hybrids. Simply described, a flexhybrid is one where a plant will produce larger ears depending upon seedspacing due to less competition for sunlight and nutrients. Thus, forexample, if there is a space larger than four inches between an adjacentplant in a row, a flex hybrid plant will presumably receive additionalsunlight and more nutrients than seeds spaced at four inches or less,enabling it to produce a larger ear with more kernels. By contrast, adeterminate hybrid will have the same ear size regardless of increasedseed spacing.

With the foregoing understanding, based on empirical data, the skip ELfactor was derived by taking into account that although one ear has beenlost due to the skip, the two adjacent plants on either side of the skipeach increase their respective ear size by 10%. Thus, the net ear lossfor a skip is only 0.8 ears instead of a whole ear (i.e.,−1+0.1+0.1=−0.8). For a further example, if future hybrids have theability to increase ear size by 50% on either side of a skip, then thenet ear loss would approach zero as each adjacent plant has added 50%,thereby making up for the entire lost ear (i.e., −1+0.5+0.5=0.0). Thus,it should be understood that these EL factors may change over time asthe characteristics of corn hybrids continue to evolve and improve. Assuch, in the preferred embodiment, the default EL factors may be variedby the operator. By associating an EL factor to each occurrence of askip, multiple, misplaced2 and misplaced4 seed, an economic lossattributable to each of these yield robbing events over a samplingperiod can be determined.

In addition to skips, multiples and misplaced seeds, the loss of groundcontact and excessive downforce are also yield robbing events.Accordingly, in the preferred monitor system EL factors are alsoassociated with each of these yield robbing events.

The economic loss attributed to excessive downforce is preferably basedon load margin 1175 as previously discussed in connection with theDownforce Window 1026 and as disclosed in PCT/US2008/50427. In thepreferred system, the following EL factors are applied based on themagnitude of the load margin:

-   -   1) If load margin <50 lbs, EL=0    -   2) If 50 lbs≦load margin≦100 lbs, EL=0.05    -   3) If 100 lbs≦load margin≦200 lbs, EL=0.1    -   4) If load margin>200 lbs=0.15

As disclosed in the PCT/US2008/50427, the sampling period or frequencyof detecting the load margin may vary. However, in the preferred monitorsystem of the present invention, the sampling period is preferably thesame as the seed planting rate such that a load margin is calculatedwith respect to each seed. Accordingly, an EL factor based on loadmargin can be applied to each seed planted. With an EL factor assignedto the load margin for each seed planted, an average EL (i.e.,EL_(Avg-Excess Load)) factor for a given sampling period may then becalculated. The EL_(Avg-Excess Load) factor multiplied by the number ofseeds in the sampling period may be used for determining the percentageof yield loss attributable to load margin during the sampling period asdiscussed below.

As for the economic loss attributable to loss of ground contact, itshould be appreciated that the longer the duration that the depthregulating member of the row unit is not in contact with the soil, thegreater will be the loss in depth of the furrow. In the preferred systeman EL factor of 0.5 is multiplied by the percentage of time during asampling period that there has been loss of ground contact (% ContactLost) to determine the percentage of yield loss attributable to loss ofground contact during the sampling period. The sampling period may beany desired time period, but in the preferred embodiment, the samplingperiod for this EL factor is preferably the time required to plant 300seeds at the seed population specified during Setup.

In order to provide an economic loss information in a format useful tothe operator, the preferred embodiment displays the economic loss indollars lost per acre (i.e., $Loss/Acre). However, it should beappreciated that the economic loss may be presented in any desiredunits. Under the preferred $Loss/Acre units, the economic loss may becalculated by multiplying the percentage of yield lost due to the yieldrobbing event by the projected yield and multiplying that product by theprice of the grain. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the$Loss/Acre may be calculated by the following formula:

$Loss/Acre=%Yield Lost×Population×(Bushels/Ear)×(Price/Bushel)

Where: % Yield Lost=Sum of all calculated yield losses attributable toall occurrences during the sampling period (e.g., 300 seeds) of skips,multiples, misplaced2, misplaced4, ground contact loss and load margin;i.e., 0.8(% Skips)+0.4 (% Mults)+0.2(% MP2)+0.1 (% MP4)+0.5 (% ContactLoss)+EL_(Avg-Excess Load)(300 seeds). Note, the foregoing EL factorsmay vary as set by the operator during Setup as previously described.

-   -   Population=The target seed population specified during setup    -   Bushels/Ear=Estimated number of ears required to produce one        bushel of shelled corn (default=1 bu/140 ears); preferably        configurable through Setup    -   Price/Bushel=Estimated price of corn per bushel        (default=$2.50/bu); preferably configurable through Setup

As with the other Windows previously described, the Economic Loss Window1028 may provide some sort of visual or audible alarm to alert theoperator if the economic loss exceeds a predefined limit. Additionally,the Economic Loss Window 1028 may be associated or tied to the otherWindows 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026 such that if analarm condition is met in any of these other Windows, and such alarmcondition is found to be the contributing factor to the alarm conditionin the Economic Loss Window, then both Windows produce a visual oraudible indication of the alarm condition as previously described inconnection with the other Windows.

Setup Button 1030

Upon pressing the Setup button 1030, the monitor 1000 is preferablyprogrammed to display the Setup screen 1300 (FIG. 11) through which theoperator can make selections and/or input data via the preferred touchscreen GUI 1004.

Row Details Button 1032

Upon pressing the Row Details button 1032, the monitor is preferablyprogrammed to display the Row Selection screen 1220 (FIG. 10) throughwhich the operator can select a Level 3 Screen (discussed later) forthat particular row.

SnapShot Button 1034

Upon pressing the Snapshot button 1034, the monitor 1000 is preferablyprogrammed to store all data inputs from the various sensors on aread/writable storage medium for a predefined time period, preferablyninety seconds, across all row units. The read/writable storage mediummay be a magnetic data storage tape or disk, or a solid statesemi-conductor memory storage device such as flash memory or a memorycard, or the read/writable storage medium may be any type of remotecomputer or storage device to which data can be communicated by via awired or wireless connection. The purpose of the SnapShot button 1034will be described in detail later.

Back Button 1036

The Back button 1036 changes the screen to the previously displayedscreen.

Level 2 Screens (FIGS. 6-8) Population Details Screen (FIG. 6)

FIG. 6 is an example of a preferred embodiment for displaying populationdetails in a bar graph format for all rows of a planter. In the exampleof FIG. 6, a bar graph 1200 of the population details for a 32 rowplanter is shown. The number of rows displayed for the bar graph 1200may be dynamic based on the number of rows entered during Setup.Alternatively, the number of rows may remain fixed on the screen withdata only being displayed for the number of rows entered during Setup.

The horizontal line 1202 on the bar graph 1200 corresponds to thepopulation target 1338 (FIG. 11) entered during Setup and the verticalscale of the bar graph 1200 preferably corresponds to the deviationlimit 1342 (e.g., ±1000 seeds) specified during Setup. The numericpopulation value 1112 for each row is graphically displayed as a databar 1204 above or below the horizontal line 1202 depending on whetherthe numeric population value is greater than or less then the targetpopulation value 1338, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, if aparticular row approaches or exceeds the deviation limit 1342, an alarmcondition is triggered and the data bar 1204 for that row preferablyincludes a visual indication that it is in alarm condition. For example,in the preferred embodiment, the data bar 1204 for a row in an alarmcondition is colored yellow (solid bars) whereas the data bars 1204 ofthe rows that are not in an alarm condition are green (clear bars).Alternatively, the data bars 1204 may flash under an alarm condition orchange to a different color, such as red, under specific alarmconditions or depending on the severity of the yield robbing event. Aswith the different Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to representan alarm condition, by different colors, audible alarms, etc.Accordingly, any and all means of visually or audibly indicating analarm condition should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferablyenables the operator to touch a bar 1204 for a particular row to changethe screen to the Level 3 Screen display for that selected row. The uparrow button 1206 and down arrow button 1206 preferably enables theoperator to scroll between the various Level 2 Screens (FIGS. 6-8) ashereinafter described. The Back button 1036 changes to the previouslydisplayed screen. The Home button 1209 returns to the Level 1 Screen(FIG. 5). The Row Details button 1032 preferably displays the RowSelection screen (FIG. 10).

Singulation Details Screen (FIG. 7)

FIG. 7 is an example of a preferred embodiment for displayingsingulation details in a bar graph format for all rows of a planter. Inthe example of FIG. 7, a bar graph 1210 of the singulation details for a32 row planter is shown. The number of rows displayed for the bar graph1210 may be dynamic based on the number of rows entered during Setup.Alternatively, the number of rows may remain fixed on the screen withdata only being displayed for the number of rows entered during Setup.

The horizontal line 1212 on the bar graph 1210 corresponds to 100%singulation (i.e., zero multiples and zero skips) and the vertical scaleof the bar graph 1210 preferably corresponds to the singulationdeviation limit 1350 (e.g., 1% in FIG. 11) specified during Setup. The %Mults 1126 for a particular row are displayed as a data bar 1184 abovethe horizontal reference line 1212. The % Skips 1124 for a particularrow are displayed as a data bar 1214 below the horizontal reference line1212. In the preferred embodiment, if a particular row approaches orexceeds the singulation deviation limit 1350, an alarm condition istriggered and the data bar 1214 for that row preferably includes avisual indication that it is in alarm condition. For example, in thepreferred embodiment, the data bar 1214 for a row in an alarm conditionis colored yellow (solid bars) whereas the data bars 1214 of the rowsthat are not in an alarm condition are green (clear bars).Alternatively, the data bars 1214 may flash under an alarm condition orchange to a different color, such as red, under specific alarmconditions or depending on the severity of the yield robbing event. Aswith the different Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to representan alarm condition, by different colors, audible alarms, etc.Accordingly, any and all means of visually or audibly indicating analarm condition should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferablyenables the operator to touch a bar 1214 for a particular row to changethe screen to the Level 3 Screen display for that selected row. Allother buttons identified on FIG. 7 perform the same functions asdescribed for FIG. 6.

Placement Details Screen (FIG. 8)

FIG. 8 is an example of a preferred embodiment for displaying placementdetails in a bar graph format for all rows of a planter. In the exampleof FIG. 8, a bar graph 1216 of the singulation details for a 32 rowplanter is shown. The number of rows displayed for the bar graph 1216may be dynamic based on the number of rows entered during Setup.Alternatively, the number of rows may remain fixed on the screen withdata only being displayed for the number of rows entered during Setup.

The horizontal line 1220 on the bar graph 1216 corresponds to 100% goodspacing (i.e., zero misplaced seeds) and the vertical scale of the bargraph 1216 preferably corresponds to a placement deviation limit (e.g.,10%) that may be specified during Setup. The numeric percent goodspacing value 1144 for each row is graphically displayed as a data bar1218 above a horizontal line 1220. In the preferred embodiment, if aparticular row approaches or exceeds the placement deviation limit, analarm condition is triggered and the data bar 1218 for that rowpreferably includes a visual indication that it is in alarm condition.For example, in the preferred embodiment, the data bar 1218 for a row inan alarm condition is colored yellow (solid bars) whereas the data bars1218 of the rows that are not in an alarm condition are green (clearbars). Alternatively, the data bars 1218 may flash under an alarmcondition or change to a different color, such as red, under specificalarm conditions or depending on the severity of the yield robbingevent. As with the Level 1 Screens, there are various ways to representan alarm condition, by different colors, audible alarms, etc.Accordingly, any and all means of visually or audibly indicating analarm condition should be considered within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the touch screen GUI 1004 preferablyenables the operator to touch a data bar 1218 for a particular row tochange the screen to the Level 3 Screen display for that selected row.All other buttons identified on FIG. 8 perform the same functions asdescribed for FIG. 6.

Level 3 Screens (FIGS. 9-12) Row Details (FIG. 9)

FIG. 9 is an example of a preferred embodiment for displaying RowDetails. In the example of FIG. 9, the row details for row “16” of theplanter are illustrated. Preferably, the information displayed in thisLevel 3 Screen is similar to that displayed in the Level 1 Screen,except that in the Level 3 Screen, the information is row specific asopposed to averaged across all rows in the Level 1 Screens. Thus, theLevel 3 Row Detail Screen preferably includes a Row Population window1220, a Row Singulation window 1222, a Row Skips/Multiples window 1224,a Row Down Force Window 1226, a Row Vacuum Window 1228 (when applicable)and a Row Economic Loss window 1230. The Level 3 Row Detail Screen alsopreferably includes a Row Good Spacing window 1232 and, preferably, agraphical Row Seed Placement window 1234. The Home button 1209, RowDetails button 1032, Up Arrow button 1206, Down Arrow button 1208, andBack button 1036 perform the same functions as described for FIG. 6.

Population Window 1220

The Population window 1220 preferably displays the row population value1240 calculated as identified under the Level 1 Screen except that therow population value 1240 is specific to the selected row and is notaveraged as in the Level 1 Screen.

Singulation Window 1302

The Singulation window 1302 preferably displays the row percentsingulation value 1242 calculated as identified under the Level 1 Screenexcept the row percent singulation value 1242 is specific to theselected row and is not averaged as in the Level 1 Screen.

Row Skips/Multiples Window 1224

The Row Skips/Multiples window 1224 preferably displays the row % Skipsvalue 1244 and the row % Mults value 1246 calculated as identified underthe Level 1 Screen except these values are specific to the selected rowand are not averaged as in the Level 1 Screen.

Row Down Force Window 1226

The Row Downforce window 1226 is preferably only displayed on rowsequipped with the load sensor 300. When the row of interest is notequipped with a load sensor, the Row Downforce window is preferablyblank. When the row of interest is equipped with a load sensor 300, theRow Downforce window 1226 preferably cycles between the display of thedownforce value 1248 (lbs), and/or the load margin, and/or the groundcontact parameter 1250. As disclosed in PCT/US2008/50427 the downforcemay be the load value (i.e., total load) detected during a predefinedsampling period (e.g., 1 second time periods). The load margin ispreferably the value calculated and/or derived as disclosed inPCT/US2008/50427. Likewise, the ground contact parameter 1250 ispreferably determined by the methods disclosed in PCT/US2008/50427.

Row Vacuum Window 1228

The Row Vacuum Window 1228 is preferably only displayed on rows equippedwith a vacuum sensor 700. When the row of interest is not equipped witha vacuum sensor, the Row Vacuum window is preferably blank. When the rowof interest is equipped with a vacuum sensor, the Row Vacuum window 1228preferably displays the vacuum 1252 (in inches H2O) for that row.

Row Economic Loss window 1230

The Row Economic Loss window 1230 preferably displays the row economicloss value 1232 calculated as identified under the Level 1 Screen exceptthe row percent singulation value 1254 is specific to the selected rowand is not totaled across all rows as in the Level 1 Screen.

Row Good Spacing Window 1230

The Row Good Spacing window 1230 preferably displays the row goodspacing percentage value 1256 calculated as identified under the Level 1Screen except the row good spacing percentage value 1256 is specific tothe selected row and is not averaged as in the Level 1 Screen.

Row Seed Placement Window 1234

The Row Seed Placement window 1234 preferably graphically displays arepresentation of each classified seed detected in that row (i.e., good,skip, multiple, misplaced2, misplaced4) over a distance behind theplanter scrolling from the right hand side of the window to the lefthand side of the window. In the preferred embodiment, good seeds arerepresented as green plants 1258, skips are represented by a redcircle-X 1260, doubles and misplaced2 seeds are represented as redplants 1262 and misplaced4 seeds are represented as yellow plants 1264.Of course, it should be appreciated that any other graphicalrepresentation of the seeds may be equally suitable and therefore anyand all graphical representation of seed placement should be consideredwithin the scope of the present invention. The Row Placement window 1234preferably includes a distance scale 1266 representative of the distancebehind the planter that the seeds/plants are displayed. Preferably theRow Placement window 1234 includes a “reverse” or rewind button 1268, a“fast forward” button 1270, and a play/pause button 1272. The reversebutton 1268 preferably causes the distance scale 1266 to incrementallyincrease in distance behind the planter (such as 25 feet) and scrollsthe plants to the right (as opposed to the left) to permit the operatorto review the seed placement further behind the planter. Alternatively,rather than scrolling the graphical representation of the seeds/plants,the reverse button may cause the scale to “zoom out,” for example thescale may increase at five foot increments to a scale of 0 to 25 feetinstead of 0 to 10 feet. Similarly, the fast forward button 1270 permitsthe user to either scroll to the right up to zero feet behind theplanter or to “zoom in” the distance scale. The play/pause button 1272preferably permits the operator to pause or freeze the screen to stopthe plants/seeds from scrolling and, upon pushing the button 1272 again,to resume the scrolling of the seeds.

Row Selection (FIG. 10)

A preferred embodiment of the Row Selection Screen 1274 is illustratedin FIG. 10 in which a plurality of buttons 1276 are displayedcorresponding to the row number of the planter. By touching a button1276 corresponding to the row of interest, the preferred touch screenGUI 1004 displays the Level 3 Row Details Screen (FIG. 9) for theselected planter row. The number of buttons 1276 displayed may varydepending on the size of the planter entered during Setup.Alternatively, the Row Selection Screen 1274 may have a fixed number ofbuttons 1276 corresponding to the largest planter available, but if theoperator specifies a smaller number of rows during Setup, only the rowscorresponding to the planter size entered would provide the foregoingfunctionality. All other buttons identified on FIG. 10 perform the samefunctions as described for FIG. 6. The Row Details button 1032 ispreferably not displayed in this screen.

Setup Screen (FIG. 11)

The preferred embodiment of a Setup Screen 1300 is illustrated in FIG.11. The Setup Screen 1300 preferably includes a plurality of predefinedwindows, each of which preferably displays relevant configurationinformation and opens a Level 4 Screen for entering that configuringinformation. The preferred windows include a Field window 1302, a Cropwindow 1304, a Population window 1306, a Population Limits window 1308,a Meter window 1310, a Planter window 1312, a Singulation Limits window1314, an Averaged Seeds window 1316, an Ear Loss window 1318 and a File& Data Transfer window 1320. The other buttons identified on FIG. 11perform the same functions as described for FIG. 6. The Row Detailsbutton 1032 is preferably not displayed in this screen.

Field Window 1302

The Field window 1302 preferably opens a Level 4 Alpha-Numeric KeyboardScreen similar to the alpha-numeric keypad 1322 illustrated in FIG. 12by which the operator can type alpha-numeric characters for entering afield identifier 1324. Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter” button1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the fieldidentifier 1324 is caused to be displayed in the Field window 1302.

Crop Window 1304

The Crop window 1304 preferably opens a Level 4 Crop Selection Screen1328, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 12. TheCrop Selection Screen 1328 preferably includes a plurality of predefinedcrop-type buttons 1330 each having a crop type designator 1332corresponding to the name of the most typical crops planted by row cropplanters, namely, corn, beans, and cotton. Upon selecting one of thesebuttons, the operator is preferably returned to the Setup Screen 1300and the corresponding crop-type designator 1332 is displayed in the Cropwindow 1304. The Crop Selection Screen 1328 also preferably includes abutton labeled “Other” 1334, which upon selection, permits the operatorto manually type in the name of the crop-type designator 1332 (e.g.,sorghum or some other type of crop) into the window 1336 through thealpha-numeric keypad 1322. Upon pressing the “Enter” button 1326, theoperator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the crop designator1322 manually typed in is displayed in the Crop window 1304. The otherbuttons identified on FIG. 11 perform the same functions as describedfor FIG. 6.

Population Window 1306

The Population window 1306 preferably displays the target seedpopulation 1338. The target seed population 1338 may be a uniform targetpopulation, a variable population, or an exception population, and ispreferably set through a Level 4 Population Settings Screen 1340, apreferred embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 13 (discussedlater). The Population Settings Screen 1340 preferably opens uponselection of the Population window 1306 through the preferred touchscreen GUI 1004.

Population Limits Window 1308

The Population Limits window 1308 preferably opens the Level 4Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) as previously discussed by whichthe operator can type in the desired the population deviation limit 1342if the operator does not wish to use the default limit of 1000 seeds.Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter” button 1326, the operator isreturned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the population deviation limit1342 is caused to be displayed in the Population Limits window 1308. Thepopulation deviation limit 1342 is the number of seeds by which theactual seed count may vary before setting off an alarm condition, and itis the value used in the scale of the bar graph 1200 in the Level 2Population Details Screen of FIG. 6.

Meter Window 1310

The Meter window 1310 preferably opens a Level 4 Meter Selection Screen(not shown) through which the operator can select from among a pluralityof predefined keys corresponding to the meter type 1344 of the meteringdevice 30 used by the planter. The meter types preferably include fingermeters and vacuum meters. Upon selection of the meter type 1344, theoperator is preferably returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the metertype 1344 is preferably displayed in the Meter Window 1310.

Planter Window 1312

The Planter window 1312 preferably opens the Level 4 Alpha-NumericKeyboard Screen (FIG. 12) as previously discussed through which theoperator can type in the number of rows 1346 on the planter and the rowspacing 1348 of the planter. Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter”button 1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and theplanter rows 1346 and row spacing 1348 are caused to be displayed in thePlanter window 1312.

Singulation Limits Window 1314

The Singulation Limits window 1314 preferably opens the Level 4Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) as previously discussed throughwhich the operator can type in the desired singulation deviation limit1350 if the operator does not wish to use the default 1% singulationdeviation limit. Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter” button 1326, theoperator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the singulationdeviation limits 1350 is caused to be displayed in the SingulationLimits window 1314. The singulation deviation limit 1342 is thepercentage by which the singulation may vary before setting off an alarmcondition, and it is the percentage used in the scale of the bar graph1210 in the Level 2 Singulation Details Screen of FIG. 7.

Averaged Seeds Window 1316

The Averaged Seeds window 1316 preferably opens the Level 4Alpha-Numeric Keyboard Screen (FIG. 12) as previously discussed throughwhich the operator can type in the desired averaged seeds value 1352 ifthe operator does not wish to use the default averaged seeds value of300. Preferably, upon pressing the “Enter” button 1326, the operator isreturned to the Setup Screen 1300 and the averaged seeds value 1352 iscaused to be displayed in the Singulation Limits window 1314.

Ear Loss window 1318

The Ear Loss window 1318 preferably opens the Level 4 Screen (FIG. 12)as previously discussed through which the operator can type in thedesired loss values 1354 if the operator does not wish to use thedefault values previously discussed. Preferably, upon pressing the“Enter” button 1326, the operator is returned to the Setup Screen 1300and the ear loss values 1354 entered by the operator are caused to bedisplayed in the Ear Loss window 1318. As previously discussed, the earloss values 1354 are used in calculating the row economic loss value1254 displayed in the Row Economic Loss window 1230 (FIG. 9) and theoverall economic loss value 1176 displayed in the Economic Loss window1028 (FIG. 5).

Level 4 Screen (FIG. 13) Population Settings Screen (FIG. 13)

The Population Settings Screen 1340 preferably includes a simplepopulation window 1370, preferably at least two variable populationwindows 1372, 1374 and an Exception Population window 1376. Each of thevarious population windows preferably includes a data window 1378 intowhich the population value 1338 may be entered for the particularpopulation type selected. For example, if the operator intends to planta field with a uniform population, the operator would select the simplepopulation window 1370 and type in the desired population using thenumeric keys in 1380 in the keypad window 1382. Alternatively, if theoperator wishes to vary the population over the field based on fieldmapping data, for example, the operator can select the first variablepopulation window 1372 and enter the first variable population 1338using the keys 1380 as before. The operator can then select the secondvariable population window 1374 and enter the second variable populationvalue 1338 using the keys 1380. If the operator wishes to plantdifferent rows at different populations, for example when planting seedcorn, the operator can select the exception population window 1376 andenter the seed population value 1338 for the exception rows using thekeys 1380. In the preferred embodiment, the operator can then preferablyselect the exception rows by touching the corresponding planter rowindicator 1384 in the exception row window 1386 to which the exceptionpopulation will apply. In the example of FIG. 13, the operator hasselected every fifth row of the planter to plant the exceptionpopulation of 21000 seeds, whereas the non-highlighted rows will plantat the designated simple population of 31200 seeds.

In the preferred embodiment, if the first variable population window1372 is selected, the simple population window 1370 and the exceptionpopulation window 1376 preferably change to variable population windows,thus allowing the operator to set four variable populations.

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principlesand features of the system and methods described herein will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention isnot to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system andmethods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A monitor system for an agricultural seed planter having a pluralityof row units, each of the plurality of row units having a depthregulation member and a seed meter adapted to discharge seeds in a seedpath as the planter moves through a field, the monitor systemcomprising: a seed sensor disposed with respect to the seed path togenerate seed signals as the seeds pass; a load sensor associated withat least one of the depth regulation members and disposed to generateload signals corresponding to loads exerted on the depth regulationmember; a visual display; and processing circuitry operably electricallycoupled to said visual display, to said load sensor and to said seedsensor, said processing circuitry configured to monitor and displayinformation pertaining to operation of the planter (“Seed PlantingInformation”), said processing circuitry further configured to monitorand display information pertaining to loads exerted on the depthregulation member (“Load Information”).
 2. The monitor system of claim 1further comprising: an accelerometer associated with at least one of therow units, wherein said accelerometer is disposed to detect verticalacceleration of the row unit as the planter traverses the field.
 3. Themonitor system of claim 1, wherein said processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to calculate and display ride information.
 4. The monitorsystem of claim 2, wherein said processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to calculate and display ride information.
 5. The monitorsystem of claim 4, wherein said processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to use said vertical acceleration to calculate a verticalvelocity of the row unit as the planter traverses the field, and whereinsaid ride criterion is a function of said vertical velocity.
 6. Themonitor system of claim 3 further including a motion sensor associatedwith at least one of the row units, wherein said processing circuitrycooperates with said motion sensor to determine a motion parameter ofthe row unit.
 7. The monitor system of claim 6 wherein said ridecriterion is a function of said motion parameter.
 8. The monitor systemof claim 6 wherein said ride criterion is related to a percentage of asampling period during which said motion parameter is outside apredefined range.
 9. The monitor system of claim 8 wherein said motionparameter is vertical velocity.
 10. The monitor system of claim 7wherein said motion parameter is vertical velocity.
 11. The monitorsystem of claim 1 wherein the row units of the planter are grouped andfurther wherein a vertical accelerometer is associated with each of saidgroups of row units and disposed to detect vertical acceleration of eachof said groups as the planter traverses the field.
 12. The monitorsystem of claim 11 wherein said processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to calculate and display a ride smoothness of each of saidgroups of row units.
 13. The monitor system of claim 11 wherein saidprocessing circuitry is further configured to calculate and display anaverage ride smoothness of said groups of row units.
 14. The monitorsystem of claim 13 wherein said processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to display a graphical indication of which of said groups ofrow units experiences the lowest ride smoothness during a sample period.15. The monitor system of claim 1 wherein said Load Information includesa load margin.
 16. The monitor system of claim 15 wherein said loadmargin is a function of a minimum load on the depth regulating memberduring a sampling period.
 17. The monitor system of claim 2 wherein saidLoad Information includes a load margin.
 18. The monitor system of claim3 wherein said Load Information includes a load margin.
 19. The monitorsystem of claim 18 wherein said load margin is a function of a minimumload on the depth regulating member during a sampling period.
 20. Themonitor system of claim 17 wherein said load margin is a function of aminimum load on the depth regulating member during a sampling period.21. The monitor system of claim 15 wherein said load margin is anestimation of an amount of force on the depth regulating member inexcess of the amount needed to maintain desired furrow depth, whereinsaid estimation is based on the load on the depth regulating member overa sampling period.
 22. The monitor system of claim 14 wherein saidprocessing circuitry is further configured to display a graphicalrepresentation of the lowest ride smoothness of the group of row unitstogether with said graphical indication of the average ride smoothnessof said groups of row units.
 23. The monitor system of claim 11 whereinsaid processing circuitry is further configured to display at least oneof a ride smoothness of each of the group of row units and an averageride smoothness of said groups of row units.
 24. The monitor system ofclaim 23 wherein said Load Information includes a load margin.
 25. Themonitor system of claim 24 wherein said load margin is a function of anaverage load on the depth regulating member over a first sampling periodand a standard deviation of the load on the depth regulating member overone of the first sampling period and a second sampling period.
 26. Themonitor system of claim 24 wherein said load margin is an estimation ofan amount of force on the depth regulating member in excess of theamount needed to maintain desired furrow depth, wherein said estimationis based on the load on the depth regulating member over a samplingperiod.
 27. The monitor system of claim 24 wherein said load margin is afunction of a minimum load on the depth regulating member during asampling period.
 28. The monitor system of claim 23 wherein said SeedPlanting Information includes skips and multiples detected during asampling period.